Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire-Chapter 385: A Perfect Partnership

Breaking news flashed across the country, sending shockwaves through the nation. But for one man, it was only a moment of smug satisfaction.

"The President’s daughter, Summer Cartier, suddenly fainted while campaigning in District 3. Known as a strong candidate for Mayor of Meta City, there are still no details on what caused her collapse. Sources confirm she was rushed to Meta Doctor Hospital," the newscaster reported urgently.

The news spread like wildfire, and the whole nation was on edge. Media outlets continued to report updates, with medical professionals remaining tight-lipped about Summer Cartier’s condition. The country held its breath, wondering if the candidate’s sudden collapse was a result of stress or something more sinister.

The man sitting in the dim light of his office smirked, savoring the moment. He took a slow sip of whiskey, his mind relishing the unfolding events. "Now he’ll understand what it feels like to lose the woman you love," he muttered with grim satisfaction. "Let’s see how you’ll handle this, Arlan."

He would make sure Arlan suffered for a long time...

Then a wide smile spread across his lips as his burner mobile phone rang. He arched a brow seeing it was Carla Cartier.

He answered it, and from the other line, Carla sobbed so hard. "What is going on? Why is my mom still unconscious? What drug is that?!" she hissed.

"Don’t worry, Summer will not die yet. She’s alive but definitely not in a state to make Arlan happy. You... Remember where you come from, so stop spurting nonsense!" he grunted.

"I don’t want to. I want out! I didn’t agree to this! I thought you’d just make her unconscious, but not kill her! You lied to me!" Carla exclaimed.

"Carla, my dear... You did it of your own volition. It’s not like I threatened you," he pointed out.

"You said you have the antidote! Give it to me now!" she demanded.

He simply laughed, a maniacal laugh. "Do you really think I’ll give you an antidote? There’s no turning back now, Carla. We’re in this together!" he grunted.

"No! I will tell Dad that-"

"That you yourself put that potion in her drink? That you are colluding with me? That you are nothing but a fak-"

"Stop!!!" Carla shouted, and the line disconnected.

"Her temper is getting worse, just like her mother’s whenever they don’t get what they want," he murmured, his eyes softening as he grabbed his pocket watch and stared at Lydia’s photo inside.

"My love, I know I’ve been taking so long, but don’t worry... I’m almost there to see the end of it."

*****

Meanwhile, Carla screamed at the top of her lungs inside her car. Nothing was going her way since her return, and it felt like she was about to explode.

Her mother was in a coma, and no doctors could explain the cause. But Carla knew exactly what had happened, those drops she gave her mother were responsible.

She bit her lower lip as the beeping of her mobile phone broke through her thoughts.

’Don’t be so sad. You knew from the start this was bound to happen. The goal is for you to have it all, so stay focused. Keep playing the role of the good daughter... the only heiress to the Cartier fortune.’

Her eyes were red, and her mind was clouded. Mixed emotions swirled inside her, and she felt utterly lost. She bit her lip again, trying to suppress the truth gnawing at her—she was terrified of losing everything.

Her breath hitched as her body trembled. Everything had been going so smoothly until the news of Alexander’s marriage shattered her plans.

"That bitch! It’s all her fault! She ruined everything when she showed up!" she gritted out, slamming her foot on the gas as she sped away from the hospital without a clear destination in mind.

Dina’s mother had approached her, begging to see Dina and saying that Dina had a proposition to get rid of Rain.

At first, Carla had dismissed her, uninterested in whatever Dina had to offer. But now, her rage consumed her, and the idea of removing Rain from the picture began to sound like the perfect solution.

Once Rain was gone, everything would fall back into place. Dina could handle the job; all Carla needed to do was unleash her and let her take care of things.

Carla parked her car at the nearest theme park, her mind racing as she made another call. frёewebnoѵēl.com

"Carla, it’s been a while!" the deep voice of a man answered. "I thought you’d never contact me again." He sounded amused.

Carla’s face darkened. "That’s what I thought too," she muttered. She had met this dangerous man when she was twenty. He owed her his life, and in exchange, she had been secretly sheltering and sponsoring him for almost four years. He had done her bidding, carrying out the dirty work whenever needed.

Getting to the level of stardom she was now, especially in an industry flooded with talented rising stars, had not been easy. But with him in the background, her path had been paved.

He was the mastermind behind every scandal, every accident that happened to her competitors. Each misstep and tragedy created a clear way for her to rise, with minimal resistance.

Carla smirked, reflecting on how effortlessly he’d handled everything. He never needed direct instruction from her; he simply knew exactly what needed to be done to please her. And in return, she made sure to keep him well-funded, feeding his desires for money and power.

It was a perfect partnership, and Carla couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

"I guess you’re in trouble again, huh?" he asked. "Another rising star blocking your way?"

She clenched her jaw. Rain was under Lancaster’s protection, so Carla couldn’t afford to make a careless move.

"No, I need you to pull someone out of prison. Do you think you can do that?" she asked, her voice cold.

"Ah, that hurts my feelings. You know I can do anything! I’m getting older, but that doesn’t mean I’m rusty, my dear! So, you want her alive and in one piece, or should I make it more... interesting?" he teased.

"I want her alive and intact, but make sure there are no loose ends," Carla instructed, her voice firm.